Thousands of children affected by the recent devastating floods in Nepal require urgent mental health and psychosocial support to recover from the distress and trauma caused by the disaster, UNICEF said today.
The floods have had a profound impact on children, many of whom witnessed the loss of loved ones, the destruction of homes and schools, displacement from their communities, and uncertainty over missing family members. An estimated 17,000 children require mental health and psychosocial support, while 541 unaccompanied and separated children remain at heightened risk and in need of protection services. These figures underscore the severe emotional and social toll the disaster has taken on children and families, and the urgent need for sustained protection and recovery support.
"Beyond the visible destruction, these floods have left deep emotional scars on children and families," said Ms. Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal. "The floods struck during the school day, shattering children's sense of safety in an instant. Many children witnessed distressing events and are now struggling with fear, anxiety and grief, with some unable to speak about what they experienced. Alongside humanitarian supplies and restoration of critical infrastructure, children need mental health and psychosocial support to help them process what happened, regain a sense of security and begin to recover."
"The invisible burden of trauma on flood-affected children and families is deeply distressing," said Dr. Shitanshu Dhakal, Medical Officer at Trishuli Hospital in Nuwakot and former UNICEF Youth Advocate for mental health. "Fear can remain long after the disaster itself. Children must be at the centre of the mental health response, with immediate psychological first aid and sustained support to prevent long-term consequences."
Mental health and psychosocial support is a lifesaving component of the emergency response. Early interventions help children process distressing experiences, reduce anxiety, restore a sense of routine and safety, and strengthen resilience. Such support also enables the identification of children experiencing severe distress and facilitates referrals to specialized services. Children experiencing significant mental health and psychosocial difficulties may also face increased protection risks due to reduced coping capacity, social isolation, stigma and limited access to support services.
UNICEF is working with government authorities and partners to protect children affected by the floods through family tracing, reunification and psychosocial support services. To date, 18 unaccompanied and separated children have been reunified with their families, while alternative family-based care is being arranged for children who have lost both parents. Community-based protection monitoring teams have been established along key transit and displacement routes to identify at-risk children, facilitate referrals and help prevent trafficking, exploitation and family separation.
At the same time, UNICEF and partners are scaling up mental health and psychosocial support through Psychological First Aid and counselling services. Eighteen Child-Friendly Spaces, including 13 supported by UNICEF, are providing safe environments where children can play, learn and begin to recover, supported by an integrated network of psychologists, counsellors and frontline workers operating in displacement sites and affected communities.
UNICEF continues to call for increased investment in child protection and mental health services to ensure that children affected by the floods receive the support they need to cope, recover and rebuild their lives.
